Rio Rancho is a rural suburb north of Albuquerque with gorgeous views of the Sandia Mountains. The 2019 population was 99,178, with residents over 60 accounting for 24% of the community. The overall cost of living is 92.5 compared to the U.S. at 100, making it an alternative to living in Albuquerque, a much more urban and crowded city. New Mexico taxes all retirement income, including social security but offers a tax-friendly deduction to seniors with income below a specific amount. While the sales tax is high for Rio Rancho at 7.83%, tax exemptions on food and prescriptions can help seniors reduce their overall sales tax expenses.

Seniors who need help with daily living needs may wish to reside in assisted living communities. Nursing homes provide more extensive medical care active seniors may not require. The average monthly cost of assisted living in Rio Rancho is $4,050, the same as New Mexico and lower than the national average of $4,300.

This guide for assisted living in Rio Rancho includes the average monthly costs and the advantages and disadvantages of retiring in Rio Rancho. The end contains a listing of the area’s free resources for seniors.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Rio Rancho, NM

MorningStar of Rio Rancho

2301 Golf Course Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

My experience with MorningStar of Rio Rancho seemed a little rushed. The woman was probably busy that day, but I felt like I needed to hurry. It was a beautiful place, very, very pretty, and very well … (read more)
My experience with MorningStar of Rio Rancho seemed a little rushed. The woman was probably busy that day, but I felt like I needed to hurry. It was a beautiful place, very, very pretty, and very well … (read more)

BeeHive Homes of Rio Rancho 2

2709 Chessman Drive, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

I have to agree with the review the administrator is hard to get a hold of and if you do she is argumentative and can be rude most times and not just to family but I have seen it towards the staff as … (read more)
I have to agree with the review the administrator is hard to get a hold of and if you do she is argumentative and can be rude most times and not just to family but I have seen it towards the staff as … (read more)

The Neighborhood In Rio Rancho I

900 Loma Colorado Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

With uplifting aesthetics and a sense of community, the Neighborhood in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, uses a holistic approach to aging. Residents enjoy the abundance of amenities, which include a beauty/ba … (read more)
With uplifting aesthetics and a sense of community, the Neighborhood in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, uses a holistic approach to aging. Residents enjoy the abundance of amenities, which include a beauty/ba … (read more)

2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021

Harmony Residential Care, Inc

4102 Malaga Ct. SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

A couple minutes drive from local shopping and restaurants and easily accessible from the highway, Harmony Residential Care, Inc., is an assisted living facility in a residential community of Rio Ranc … (read more)
A couple minutes drive from local shopping and restaurants and easily accessible from the highway, Harmony Residential Care, Inc., is an assisted living facility in a residential community of Rio Ranc … (read more)
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2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021

2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023

Fairwinds – Rio Rancho

920 Riverview Drive Southeast, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

Fairwinds is situated in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, near Charisma Hills Country Club, Highway 528, restaurants and shopping centers. Loved ones feel reassured by the caring, welcoming staff and the multi … (read more)
Fairwinds is situated in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, near Charisma Hills Country Club, Highway 528, restaurants and shopping centers. Loved ones feel reassured by the caring, welcoming staff and the multi … (read more)
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2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023

2015

Life Spire Assisted Living – Rio Rancho, NM

1001 24th Street, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

Life Spire Assisted Living in Rio Rancho, a cozy suburb north of New Mexico’s Albuquerque, offers a small-town atmosphere that doesn’t sacrifice access to urban conveniences. Its quaint neighborhood s … (read more)
Life Spire Assisted Living in Rio Rancho, a cozy suburb north of New Mexico’s Albuquerque, offers a small-town atmosphere that doesn’t sacrifice access to urban conveniences. Its quaint neighborhood s … (read more)

Avamere at Rio Rancho

1000 Riverview Dr. SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

There was never enough workers for residents. Took workers too long to respond to pressed signal button. Food was not good, ants/roaches. Not enough activities for ALL residents. Look elsewhere if you … (read more)
There was never enough workers for residents. Took workers too long to respond to pressed signal button. Food was not good, ants/roaches. Not enough activities for ALL residents. Look elsewhere if you … (read more)

Abundant Living

804 Rincon de Romos Dr. SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

My experience with Harmony Residential Care has been very good. It’s a great place, it’s well-managed, and well-run. They have quality employees working for them as caregivers to the residents. It’s l … (read more)
My experience with Harmony Residential Care has been very good. It’s a great place, it’s well-managed, and well-run. They have quality employees working for them as caregivers to the residents. It’s l … (read more)

Beehive Homes of Enchanted Hills

6336 Enchanted Hills Blvd NE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87144

My mom moved into BeeHive Homes of Enchanted Hills. So far, I’m very happy with it. The residents spoke highly of the place and they spoke with my family as we were moving in. It’s not a traditional f … (read more)
My mom moved into BeeHive Homes of Enchanted Hills. So far, I’m very happy with it. The residents spoke highly of the place and they spoke with my family as we were moving in. It’s not a traditional f … (read more)

The Retreat Gardens

4100 Jackie Road SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

The Retreat Gardens is a large gated community with assisted living services located just off the Pat D’Arco Highway in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There are numerous smaller medical centers and specialis … (read more)
The Retreat Gardens is a large gated community with assisted living services located just off the Pat D’Arco Highway in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There are numerous smaller medical centers and specialis … (read more)

Hummingbird Assisted Living

912 Loma Pinon Loop NE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87144

My uncle is in the Hummingbird Assisted Living, and they are wonderful. We looked at several places, but we had to go with a smaller place. It’s a home that accommodates 10 people. They’re just absolu … (read more)
My uncle is in the Hummingbird Assisted Living, and they are wonderful. We looked at several places, but we had to go with a smaller place. It’s a home that accommodates 10 people. They’re just absolu … (read more)

BeeHive Assisted Living Homes of Rio Rancho #1

204 Silent Spring Road Northeast, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124

Bee Hive Assisted Living Homes of Rio Rancho in New Mexico is a modern facility that provides assisted living services. Friends and relatives of residents compliment the community on its cleanliness a … (read more)
Bee Hive Assisted Living Homes of Rio Rancho in New Mexico is a modern facility that provides assisted living services. Friends and relatives of residents compliment the community on its cleanliness a … (read more)

Four Winds Behavioral Health Center

4100 Barbara Loop Southeast, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124


Casa de Paz Village (East)

604 Gral Trevino Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124


2014, 2015, 2016

Morada Albuquerque

1620 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102

My mom will move into Morada Albuquerque. It was clean and friendly. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The rooms are updated and clean. It smells good. Not every place I went to smells good. S … (read more)
My mom will move into Morada Albuquerque. It was clean and friendly. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. The rooms are updated and clean. It smells good. Not every place I went to smells good. S … (read more)
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2014, 2015, 2016

The Village At Alameda

8810 Horizon Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87113

Located right near the Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, The Village at Alameda is a beautiful and accommodating assisted living facility. This community gets high marks for its spacious rooms, well … (read more)
Located right near the Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, The Village at Alameda is a beautiful and accommodating assisted living facility. This community gets high marks for its spacious rooms, well … (read more)

Morada Quintessence

7101 Eubank Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87122

Morada Quintessence was a little different. It wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be. It was difficult for my dad to realize that that’s where he’s headed. Erica was super nice. She knew he … (read more)
Morada Quintessence was a little different. It wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be. It was difficult for my dad to realize that that’s where he’s headed. Erica was super nice. She knew he … (read more)

BeeHive Homes of Albuquerque

6401 Corona Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87113

I went to BeeHive Homes of Albuquerque. The overall experience was very positive. The person I met with, her name is Joy and was very compassionate, and did a great job of listening and presenting me … (read more)
I went to BeeHive Homes of Albuquerque. The overall experience was very positive. The person I met with, her name is Joy and was very compassionate, and did a great job of listening and presenting me … (read more)

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque

8051 Palomas Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque was excellent on all levels, but it was expensive. I just looked at the assisted living side. It’s a newer facility, so everything is reall … (read more)
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque was excellent on all levels, but it was expensive. I just looked at the assisted living side. It’s a newer facility, so everything is reall … (read more)

Life Spire Assisted Living – Albuquerque NE

7500 Oakland Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87113

I thought the tour at Life Spire Assisted Living – Albuquerque NE was very positive. I met with a male director. He was very helpful and informative. We didn’t sit down and talk like I had done at the … (read more)
I thought the tour at Life Spire Assisted Living – Albuquerque NE was very positive. I met with a male director. He was very helpful and informative. We didn’t sit down and talk like I had done at the … (read more)

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Rio Rancho

Two bureaus work together to license assisted living facilities in New Mexico; the Program Operations Bureau and District Operations Bureau. These organizations monitor the compliance of health care facilities with the rules and regulations set forth by New Mexico to ensure residents’ safety, well-being and health.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Rio Rancho

  • New Mexico is referred to as the land of enchantment with glorious desert landscapes and dynamic culture. Seniors will find a wealth of activities and entertainment in Rio Rancho, such as golfing at the Twin Warriors Golf Club or fishing on the Rio Grande river. Only 12-miles south, in Albuquerque, seniors can take in the sights of the yearly International Balloon Fiesta held for nine days each October.
  • Rio Rancho is a fairly safe place for seniors to live despite New Mexico being one of the most dangerous states to live in the nation. Several communities have low crime rates, including Rio Rancho, the 2nd safest city to live in New Mexico, with crime rates lower than the national levels. Crime rates are measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with 1 being the lowest. Rio Rancho has a violent crime rate of 16.8, which is lower than the U.S. average of 22.7.
  • The weather in Rio Rancho offers four comfortable seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85 degrees. January is the coldest month, with average daytime highs of 48 degrees and nighttime lows of 22. Rio Rancho averages only 12 inches of rain per year and 10 inches of snow yearly. The climate is primarily arid, making it an excellent place for seniors who live with arthritis and other health conditions where high humidity is not conducive to their health.
  • Roads in rural cities such as Rio Rancho tend to be in a state of disrepair. The estimation is that 30% of rural roads in New Mexico are in bad condition, and 6% of bridges need restoration. Poorly maintained roads lead to an increase in auto accidents and traffic issues. Seniors who drive may want to explore the area to ensure the roads they use for everyday errands and appointments are adequately maintained.

Paying for Assisted Living in Rio Rancho

The 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports an average monthly cost of assisted living in Rio Rancho to be $4,050. The New Mexico average is the same, and the national average is $4,300. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

The cost for assisted living in New Mexico averages between $3,900 – $4,800 a month. Farmington, 171 miles northwest of Rio Rancho, has the lowest average monthly cost for assisted living at $3,900. Santa Fe is 62 miles northeast and has the highest cost at $4,800. Albuquerque matches the New Mexico average at $4,050, and 240 miles south, Las Cruces costs $4,248.

$4050

Rio Rancho

$4050

New Mexico

$4300

The United States

$3900

Farmington

$4050

Albuquerque

$4800

Santa Fe

$4248

Las Cruces

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Rio Rancho offers additional long-term care options. Adult day health care is provided for seniors who only need weekday supervision and averages $2,513 monthly. Seniors who wish to age in place can receive assistance at home through homemaker services or home health aide services, both costing $4,385. For seniors who need higher-level medical care, nursing homes provide these services averaging $8,330 for a semiprivate room and $9,809 for a private room.

$4385

Homemaker Services

$4385

Home Health Aide

$2513

Adult Day Health Care

$4050

Assisted Living Facility

$8330

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$9809

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

Note: Care cost data for Rio Rancho was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Albuquerque, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Rio Rancho

Centennial Care is the New Mexico Health Services Department’s Medicaid waiver program that pays for the cost of assisted living for eligible seniors in Rio Rancho.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in New Mexico page.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Rio Rancho

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in New Mexico page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho has many resources available to assist seniors, including community services, long-term care advocates and help with Medicare and Medicaid. The programs available are meant to promote healthy aging and wellness for all seniors.

ResourceContactService
New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services – Long-Term Care Ombudsman(866) 451-2901 The New Mexico Long-Term Care Ombudsman program exists to advocate for seniors and vulnerable adults. The ombudsmen conduct scheduled visits to assisted living facilities to meet residents and offer help with complaints or questions. Seniors are protected from exploitation and educated about their rights, along with being assured there is someone to watch out for them. 
New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services – Aging & Disability Resource Center(800) 432-2080The ADRC works to support seniors and persons with disabilities in finding services and resources to help them live well. Coordinators help seniors find services to address their needs and locate long-term care options that work for them. The ADRC includes a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to provide information on health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid and the New Mexico Health Exchange (NMHIX) directs seniors to affordable health care options to fit their budget. Seniors can also obtain information about the agency’s Prescription Drug Assistance (PDA), New Mexico MEDBANK Program, helping seniors obtain the prescription medications they need at a cost they can afford. 
New Mexico BarLegal Resources for the Elderly Program(800) 876-6657The Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP) is a free, statewide program for adults 55 and older. LREP provides legal advice and services offered by professional, highly qualified attorneys specialized in legal issues affecting seniors.  Some of the services the LREP offer are guardianship, Social Security disability, powers of attorney, estate planning, Medicare and Medicaid. 
Meadowlark Senior Center(505) 891-5018 The Meadowlark Senior Center (MSC) is open for seniors 55 and older, offering various programs and activities such as social events, arts and crafts, health checks, day trip excursions, financial and benefits counseling and referral services. The center operates to meet the needs of seniors and provide opportunities to be part of a community group. 
Sandoval County Assisted Transportation(505) 934-8774The Assisted Transportation program is offered to seniors through the Senior Program Administrative Office. Seniors receive transportation to health care appointments in Rio Rancho Monday through Friday. Appointments for transportation should be made in advance. Hours of operation are 9:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in New Mexico are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in New Mexico page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Rio Rancho

Frequently Asked Questions

In Rio Rancho, how much does assisted living cost?

According to Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Rio Rancho is $4100.

How safe is it to live in Rio Rancho?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Rio Rancho is 221, which is below the national average of 323.

How is the traffic in Rio Rancho?

There is low traffic congestion with a below average crash rate of 5.

What is the average housing cost in Rio Rancho?

At $1,238, the average cost of housing in Rio Rancho is below the nationwide average of $1,442

What is the job market like in Rio Rancho?

Rio Rancho offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.42.

Is Rio Rancho a good place to live without a vehicle?

In Rio Rancho, 93.7% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is above the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 0 local transit vehicles per hour. This is less than the national average of 8.

How good are the health care options in Rio Rancho?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 70.9% in Rio Rancho – this is lower the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 61 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is less the national average of 82.

Does Rio Rancho rank as a good place to retire?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Rio Rancho ranked in the middle of the pack. It’s overall rank was 129th, and it scored the best in Quality Of Life, while it’s lowest score was for Senior Living & Housing.

Does Rio Rancho have good activities for retirees?

In Rio Rancho, the number of parks is less than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is above the average.